In a recent interview with Sport24 (via Championat and translated by Sport Witness), Zenit St. Petersburg striker Artem Dzyuba has confirmed Everton’s interest to recruit him and said, “I signed a contract with Jorge Mendes and his company. Back in the winter transfer window, there was a chance for me to leave Zenit. I understand Everton were interested in my services. But I didn’t want to leave.
“Back then, we had a chance to win the Russian Superleague title, and we did so. So, I can say that I did the right thing. In the summer, I also hoped something would happen, but it didn’t. There were just talks, so I am now at Zenit and I am very pleased with that.”
Moise Kean’s Acquisition Has Dampened Silva’s Need For A New Forward
It is no wonder that the Toffees were interested in securing the services of the Russian striker back in January as they were struggling to get enough goals from their strikers, Cenk Tosun and Dominic Calvert-Lewin last season. However, Marco Silva decided to recruit Moise Kean from Juventus earlier this summer which has added more options for the Merseyside club up top.
Therefore, Everton’s need to go after Dzyuba will depend on how Kean settles into life in England when club football resumes after the international break. If the Toffees new boy can start contributing by scoring a few goals in the coming weeks, then Silva would be foolish to add more players when he has Calvert-Lewin and Tosun still at the club.
The Toffees Should Replace Tosun With The Russian Goal-Scorer
However, if the Portuguese head coach is willing to cash in on Tosun, then Dzyuba could be a fantastic coup for his side even though he is about to embark upon the twilight years of his playing career. The Russian striker has a prolific goal-scoring record as evidenced by his tally of four goals and four assists in nine matches for Zenit this season.
Will Dzyuba Be A Good Fit At Merseyside?
Dzyuba is also a lethal marksman for Russia after netting 21 goals in 37 international appearances on all fronts. He is currently the captain of the Russian national team as he is a born leader who can inspire his teammates to get the best out of them on the field.
The 31-year-old will undoubtedly bolster Silva’s attacking options significantly at Goodison Park. He will be an excellent fit for the Toffees as they look to secure a top 6 finish in the English top-flight this term.
